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This article reports the synthesis of a novel perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPAE) vinylether monomer and its use as a comonomer in the thiol‐ene photopolymerization of a trifunctional thiol together with a trifunctional vinylether. The crosslinked copolymers are obtained in the form of few mm thick layers and characterized. By changing the thiol/ene ratio, the polymers are optimized to tailor their surface composition and obtain adhesion between two thick layers despite the presence of the fluorinated monomer. The final bilayered structures are adhesive, and appeared chemically resistant, with good dimensional stability: therefore, these fluorinated thiol–ene based copolymers are likely to be of interest for applications based on layer‐by‐layer processes, such as additive manufacturing and microfluidics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites containing graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) with different loadings were fabricated via masterbatch compounding-melt blending processing technique. Morphological studies showed that the method employed provided uniform GNPs dispersion in the matrix, orienting the nanoplatelets along the same direction the flow of matter. Enhancements of storage and Young's modulus occurred, increasing GNP content, and the improvement was more obvious when a compatibilizer, the PP-grafted-maleic anhydride, was introduced to achieve a better GNP dispersion and distribution within the matrix. For all the nanocomposites, even for those compatibilized, it was not possible to fully exploit the GNP toughening effect since a stiffening and embrittling effect prevailed. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that GNP incorporation has improved the thermal stability of the nanocomposites. In addition, cone calorimetry results showed that GNPs can act as intumescent flame retardant and significantly reduced the heat release rate, thus improving the flame retardancy of the PP matrix., INTRODUCTION Nonpolar polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used commodity thermoplastics for its low cost and its easy processability. The density of PP is low, and it is [...]

The present study explores the exploitation of ladder-like polysilsesquioxanes (PSQs) bearing reactive functional groups in conjunction with SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) to produce UV-curable nanocomposite coatings with increased hydrophobicity and good thermal resistance. In detail, a medium degree regular ladder-like structured poly (methacryloxypropyl) silsesquioxane (LPMASQ) and silica NPs, either naked or functionalized with a methacrylsilane (SiO2@TMMS), were blended and then irradiated in the form of a film. Material characterization evidenced significant modifications of the structural organization of the LPMASQ backbone and, in particular, a rearrangement of the silsesquioxane chains at the interface upon introduction of the functionalized silica NPs. This leads to remarkable thermal resistance and enhanced hydrophobic features in the final nanocomposite. The results suggest that the adopted strategy, in comparison with mostly difficult and expensive surface modification and structuring protocols, may provide tailored functional properties without modifying the surface roughness or the functionalities of silsesquioxanes, but simply tuning their interactions at the hybrid interface with silica fillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]